Old Masters

The Old Masters Paintings Department of Gregory’s Auction House is dedicated to paintings dating from the 16th to the 19th century, a field that has consistently attracted the interest of collectors throughout our sales. Each painting is approached through a process of analysis that combines art-historical, technical and market expertise. The objective is to define its context correctly, highlight its qualities and formulate a solid and coherent valuation.

Every painting entrusted to us undergoes an in-depth study. This includes provenance verification, bibliographic and archival research, and an analysis of its state of conservation. Furthermore, when necessary, diagnostic tools such as the Wood’s lamp are employed to identify restorations or conservation treatments. The department also agrees with the owner on a reserve price, established according to the characteristics of the work and current market conditions. This is intended to protect the value of the artwork during the sale process.

Alongside the study of the works, the department supports consignors with a structured and attentive service, overseeing every operational stage related to the preparation of the lots, from the initial valuation to cataloguing. In addition, storage and custodial services are available, ensuring comprehensive management of the works entrusted to us.

Gregory’s Auction House continues to provide assistance even after the sale. The department offers dedicated support throughout the post-auction process, including assistance with shipping quotations and the organisation of transportation through a network of specialised operators. As a result, shipping can be arranged both within Italy and internationally. Moreover, the service includes assistance with export procedures, an essential aspect of supporting buyers and collectors efficiently and continuously beyond the auction itself.

Many of the paintings handled by the department come from private collections and works that have remained within family holdings for generations. Bringing these paintings back to the attention of the market represents an important part of our work. In many cases, these are little-known works or paintings that have never previously appeared at auction. Through careful research and presentation, their quality, context and collecting significance can be fully appreciated.

Gregory’s also manages entire inherited collections, in some cases directly within the residences where the works are preserved. This approach not only allows a collection to be handled with method and sensitivity, but also helps preserve and communicate the original context of the works. Indeed, this element is often crucial to their appreciation. The results achieved confirm the effectiveness of this approach, with sell-through rates ranging between 70% and 80%.

Over the course of its sales, the department has achieved significant results for works dating from the 16th to the 18th century, with particular attention to Italian and European painting. For the Late Renaissance and the early 17th century, important results have been achieved in portraiture and figure painting. Notable examples include the Portrait of a Noble Lady attributed to Alessandro Allori, known as Bronzino (€35,960), together with works from Central Italy such as the Figure of a Young Man in the Guise of Apollo by a Master of Central Italy (€73,750).

The 17th century represents one of the department’s most significant areas, with results linked to the period of the Italian Baroque. Among the highlights are the Saint Philip Neri attributed to Guercino (€81,840), the Annunciation by Bernardo Strozzi (€47,500), the Preaching of Saint John the Baptist by Luca Giordano (€33,480) and The Discovery of the Tomb of Saint James by Giacomo Bolognini (€41,250). These are complemented by works attributed to Simone Brentana, Jan Harmensz van Bylert and artists from the Emilian and Venetian schools. In addition, paintings connected to the circles of Guido Reni and Domenichino testify to the spread and success of the Baroque languagethroughout Italy and Europe.

The 18th century is represented by particularly important results in Venetian painting and vedute. Among these is the View of the Basin of Saint Mark by Francesco Tironi (€64,480), alongside paintings associated with the Venetian vedutista tradition and the school of Canaletto. On the international scene, works by Claude Joseph Vernet also stand out, including Marine with Figures (€29,760). These are accompanied by landscapes and harbour scenes that remain highly appreciated by European collectors.

Also dating to the 18th century are religious subjects such as Two Bishop Saints by Giovanni Battista Pittoni(€34,720). Likewise, mythological and narrative paintings such as Selene and Endymion by Girolamo Donnini(€31,980) reflect the decorative and collecting taste of the period.

Overall, the department’s auction results reflect a rich and varied panorama, characterised by a significant diversity of schools, cultural contexts and collecting backgrounds. Furthermore, the presence of works from important private collections has enabled the auction house to develop over time a network of active clients at both national and international level. Consequently, consignors have the opportunity to present their paintings to a broad, carefully selected and knowledgeable audience. This audience is capable of generating genuine competition in the saleroom and contributing to the achievement of significant sales results.

Evaluation

Would you like to know the value of your artworks and explore their potential sale on the market?

Our experts are available to provide free and confidential valuations, whether for individual works or entire collections.

You will receive qualified advice and be guided through every stage of the sale process, whether at auction or through private negotiation, with a careful and personalised service.

Images and information regarding your artworks can be sent via:

• email or WeTransfer: aste@gregorysaste.it
• WhatsApp: +39 051 2960945

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